Stockmanship Education and Evaluation

Abstract

This dissertation documents two separate works. The first is an evaluation of WVU SFMS/SOIDC Large Animal Module and the second is the development and use of the Stockman's Scorecard. The WVU SFMS/SOIDC Large Animal Module provides foundational information on food animal husbandry and veterinary procedures to SOF Combat Medic candidates. A quasi-experimental design was used to determine if the module content resulted in an increase in food animal production knowledge for the participants. Seventy-five percent of the subjects had no previous livestock exposure and only seven percent had previously participated in 4-H or FFA. Matched pair analysis determined that the average improvement of scores, pre-test versus post-test, was significantly greater for those that attended the module (18.5 vs. 0.9). Knowledge of food animal production can assist SOF medics in establishing rapport with indigenous population while on mission. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS